Going to the Agency Canteen

After Sui Yong delivered the pastries and wine to Hua Jin Yin, he stepped forward and knocked on the door of the house. A moment later, the door was opened from inside by a woman around thirty years old.

The woman wore a pair of black-rimmed glasses, her short hair neatly trimmed to ear-length, dressed like a female cadre, appearing not easy to deal with.

She nodded at Sui Yong first, then turned her gaze to Hua Jin Yin, scrutinizing her from head to toe several times. That probing gaze, tinged with a hint of disdain, made Hua Jin Yin feel like a pig waiting to be slaughtered, with the buyer far from satisfied.

It wasn't until Hua Jin Yin was looked at to the point of annoyance, about to turn and leave, that the woman's gaze finally left her face, settling on the items she was carrying. Her stern face immediately broke into a radiant smile.

She stepped forward, grasped Hua Jin Yin's hand, and enthusiastically shook it twice: "You must be Comrade Er Hua, right? My name is Hao Min, and I'm the office director of our Women's Federation. From now on, we're all comrades. If you encounter any difficulties at work, just come to Sister Hao."

Huh? Was this introducing her to her future direct superior?

Hua Jin Yin turned her head to look at Sui Yong in doubt, seeing him signal her to relax before he said to Hao Min: "Director Hao, you're too enthusiastic, you've scared Comrade Er Hua."

Hao Min laughed heartily: "It's not as serious as you say! Comrade Er Hua looks like a good comrade, diligent, brave, and eager to learn. Don't stand out here, come inside quickly! I just got off work and stopped by the Supply and Marketing Cooperative to buy some meat. We're making wontons at home."

Hua Jin Yin looked up at the sky; it was only a little past ten in the morning. The Women's Federation was indeed a good unit, both relaxed and desirable.

Hao Min's courtyard wasn't very large, only about thirty square meters, but against the wall were two rows of wooden shelves, clearly for placing potted flowers when the weather was nice.

The courtyard was very clean. Besides the three main rooms, there was one room each on the east and west sides.

In front of the west room, a grape trellis was erected, and between the west room and the main house was a small path, through which a small door leading to the back could be vaguely seen.

Hao Min opened the middle room's door, casually handed the items Hua Jin Yin brought to the person inside, and then instructed: "Xiao Zhao, we have guests. Bring out a pot of tea."

To have a maid in the house in this era showed that Hao Min's family background was extraordinary.

"Yes, Sister Hao," a young girl's voice echoed from inside.

Afterward, Hao Min led Hua Jin Yin and Sui Yong into the left room. Upon entering, they discovered that the seemingly large room was actually divided into two. One section was a small living room, with brand-new books displayed in the wall cabinet, clearly for show rather than daily reading.

The room was very warm. Instead of a stove connected to a heated bed, a row of heaters hung on the wall, emitting a slight warmth as they passed by.

By the window, the floor was filled with potted plants of various sizes, among which several orchids were in full bloom, their fresh fragrance wafting in as soon as they entered.

Leading her guests into the room, Hao Min enthusiastically invited the two to sit on the sofa, while she sat on the single armchair nearby.

The sofa was made of black cowhide, very soft to sit on, a standard for people of status in this era.

Not long after, a girl who looked less than twenty years old brought in a teapot and teacups.

After pouring the tea, the girl smiled at Hua Jin Yin and then retreated, not once glancing at Sui Yong throughout the process, showing she was very well-behaved.

Hao Min smiled and said: "The leader told me before that Er Hua is just taking on a nominal position at the Women's Federation, and I understand this completely. Normally, if there's work, just do it. If there's no work, just come to the office, chat with me for a bit. If others ask, I'll know what to say. If this job was arranged by a higher-up, you can be a hundred percent at ease; no one will make things difficult for you."

Hua Jin Yin quickly expressed her gratitude: "Then thank you very much, Sister Hao. When I have time, I'll definitely come over often to chat with you. I just hope you won't find me bothersome."

"How could I?" Sister Hao picked up her teacup and smiled: "Such a pretty girl, I cherish you too much. But let me say this first, if you have nothing to do, just come over. I'll arrange your office in the same room as mine, so we two sisters can close the door and chat conveniently."

Hua Jin Yin didn't know if she was being serious or not, but she accepted the offer nonetheless.

After a few more casual remarks, she glanced at Sui Yong, who was calmly sipping tea beside her, unsure if he genuinely intended to stay for a meal or was just being polite.

Sui Yong saw Hua Jin Yin looking at him, knowing she had run out of things to say to Sister Hao. Only then did he put down his teacup: "Sister, it's getting late. Comrade Er Hua and I have other matters to attend to, so we won't trouble you any longer today."

"How can you leave without eating after coming to my house? If Old Ma comes back, he'll blame me for not being hospitable! Both of you sit down, don't go anywhere. No matter what, you must stay for a meal today."

Sui Yong feigned helplessness: "I've always heard that Secretary Ma's home cooking is delicious, and I'd love to try it, but we truly have business. How about another time? I'll find some delicious things and come bother you again with Comrade Er Hua."

Sister Hao's eyes held little sincerity in her attempts to keep them, but her mouth kept saying: "Oh, I know you two are busy, there's nothing I can do. Then next time you come, you absolutely must stay for a meal."

Sui Yong repeatedly assented. Only then did he and Hua Jin Yin leave Sister Hao's house.

Once outside, he whispered to her: "This Sister Hao, don't just see that her husband is merely a commune leader. Her elder brother is actually the head of the city. Later, if we both transfer away and you encounter any difficulties in the city, just bring her a gift and ask for her help."

Hearing Sui Yong say that asking for her help required a gift, Hua Jin Yin understood immediately: seeking Sister Hao's assistance always came with a price.

But Sui Yong's words implied that their support mission also had a time limit? Was it just an initial guidance phase? To her, Sui Yong was a supporter, but even more like a novice guide NPC.

"Where do we go next?"

Hua Jin Yin waited for him to arrange, but Sui Yong patted her back: "Let's go, I'll take you to the agency canteen for some good food. Only with a full stomach can you work!"

In her previous life, she often heard that the food at agency canteens was delicious. Even during the most difficult times, there was always meat and eggs for every meal, and the rice was always white rice and large steamed buns.

Now, having the opportunity to visit an agency canteen and broaden her horizons, Hua Jin Yin happily cycled behind Sui Yong.

The agency canteen was not far from Sister Hao's house. They cycled for less than five minutes and arrived. Looking at the clock hanging on the canteen door, it was still not yet ten o'clock.

By this time, the food was already laid out. Before even entering, they could smell the fragrant aroma of meat wafting from inside.

It wasn't yet quitting time, so there weren't many people at the canteen. The dishes, served in large basins, were arranged at the counter, each basin piled high like a small mountain.

At this time in the Northeast, it was the lean season. Having cabbage and radishes on the dinner table was already considered good for ordinary people; most families ate dried vegetables or pickled vegetables stored from the previous year.

Yet, the agency's food included fresh green vegetables. According to someone nearby who was getting food, these green vegetables were transported by train from the South, and including transportation costs, they were not cheap at all.